Cowboys are known for more than just their grit and determination—they’ve got cowboy wisdom that’s been passed down, from mouth to ear, for generations. Whether you’re familiar with the cowboy way of life or just curious, these timeless lessons can teach us all a thing or two about navigating life.
From the long cattle drives to the wide-open prairies, cowboys learned hard lessons that stay as relevant today as they were in the days of Charlie Goodnight.
So, here’s 12 of my favorite pieces of cowboy wisdom.
1. Always Saddle Your Own Horse
When a cowboy saddles his own horse, it’s not just about preparing for the ride—it’s about taking responsibility. Knowing that your horse is ready, saddled properly, and done the way you do things reflects the importance of doing things yourself. Cowboys don’t rely on anyone else to make sure their horse is ready for the trail, and in life, this same sense of self-reliance matters.
Modern Application: Whether it’s a project at work or a personal effort, taking full responsibility for your own preparation means fewer surprises and more confidence in your ability to handle what comes your way. Blaming someone else, which sadly seems to be a trend nowadays, just doesn’t cut it with cowboys.
2. Don’t Saddle Up Unless You’re Ready to Ride
Saddling up done right, takes time. It’s a commitment. Once that horse is ready, there’s no turning back. Cowboys know better than to rush into anything without being fully prepared. “Don’t saddle up unless you’re ready to ride” teaches us not to commit to something unless we’re truly prepared to follow through.
Modern Application: In today’s world, we often jump into things—whether it’s a job, a relationship, or a big decision—without being fully prepared. This bit of cowboy wisdom is a reminder to assess your readiness before making a commitment.
3. You Don’t Learn Much When Everything Goes Right
Cowboys of the Old West knew that the most valuable lessons came from the challenges they faced. Whether it’s a stampede, harsh weather, or a runaway horse, the struggles taught them how to improve. How to get better. For me, this piece of cowboy wisdom speaks to the idea that failure is a better teacher than success.
Modern Application: In modern life, it’s easy to get frustrated when things go wrong, but those moments often lead to the most growth. Mistakes build resilience and foster problem-solving skills for us, just as they did for cowboys on the cattle trails.
4. Speak Your Mind, But Ride a Fast Horse
Cowboys of the early American West lived in a rough world, and standing up for yourself was important—but so was knowing when to leave quickly. This saying is a blend of boldness and practicality. It’s about speaking your truth but understanding the consequences, and then knowing when to get out of Dodge!
Historical Context: Cowboys, much like vaqueros and Native American horsemen, valued quick thinking and the ability to escape a bad situation. If you challenged someone’s authority or crossed the wrong person, you needed an exit strategy—horseback, of course.
Modern Application: In today’s world, I believe this cowboy wisdom translates to standing your ground but being prepared for what may come next. Whether in business or personal life, know when to take a stand and when to move on and cut your losses, as they say.
5. When You Lose, Don’t Lose the Lesson
Cowboys faced plenty of setbacks on the trail, from lost cattle to broken bones. But they knew that the only real failure was failing to learn from those moments. This wisdom highlights the cowboy’s ability to adapt and learn from mistakes.
Modern Application: Every loss is an opportunity for growth. Whether it’s in your career, relationships, or personal goals, there’s always something to take away from failure. Cowboys couldn’t afford to repeat the same mistake twice, and neither should we.
6. The Best Way Out Is Through
Cowboys often had no choice but to ride through the toughest parts of the trail, whether it was a raging river or a rocky canyon. This piece of cowboy wisdom speaks to perseverance and pushing through hardship.
Modern Application: Life’s obstacles can feel overwhelming, I get it. At the same time, the only way to overcome them is to keep going. Avoiding problems won’t make them disappear; facing them head-on is the key to moving forward.
7. Trust In Your Horse, But Always Check Your Gear
Cowboys rely on their horses, but they also know that small mistakes in saddling or equipment can lead to big problems for the day’s work. I believe this is about having faith in what you know, but also taking the time to make sure everything is in order.
Historical Context: Mexican vaqueros were meticulous in their care for their gear, often passing down the skills of saddle-making and rope handling. Cowboys adopted these techniques, recognizing that preparation could mean the difference between life and death.
Modern Application: Trust your tools, but don’t get complacent. Whether it’s double-checking your work or making sure your team is on the same page, attention to detail prevents unnecessary failures.
8. Let Your Horse Do the Work
A good cowboy knows that the horse can often handle the trail better than the rider. This cowboy wisdom is about trusting the process and letting things unfold naturally, rather than trying to control every little detail. Experienced horsemen learn to “give their horse their head” meaning they loosen up on the reins so the horse can find the best place to put their feet.
Modern Application: Sometimes, we’re so focused on managing everything that we forget to let the process unfold. In life, as on the trail, knowing when to step back and let things happen can save energy and lead to better results. In other words, let the game come to us, so to speak.
9. Ride For the Brand
Cowboys had a deep sense of loyalty to the ranch they worked for. “Riding for the brand” meant that you were fully committed to the outfit you were working for and that you would give it your all. It was more than a job; it was a matter of honor and personal pride.
“Son, a man’s brand is his own special mark that says this is mine, leave it alone. You hire out to a man, ride for his brand and protect it like it was your own.”
— the poem Ride for the Brand by Red Steagall
Modern Application: In modern terms, this translates to loyalty and dedication to a cause, company, or team. When you commit to something, give it your best effort and take pride in the work you do.
10. Ride Slow to Go Fast
Cowboys know that trying to rush through a job often leads to mistakes, injuries, or worse. Whether rounding up cattle or breaking a horse, moving too quickly can cause more problems than it solves. “Ride slow to go fast” means taking your time to do things right the first time, which saves trouble down the line.
Historical Context: On cattle drives, cowboys often had to hold back the herd and ride at a slow, steady pace to ensure cattle don’t lose weight by running. As you may appreciate, weight is worth money when cattle are sold, and so there is little need for the bovine cardio that would come from working a herd too quickly. Moving too fast could also cause stampedes, which were dangerous. The same applied to working with horses—patience and steady progress led to better results.
Modern Application: In today’s fast-paced world, we often feel pressured to rush through tasks, but doing so can lead to mistakes. Taking your time to guarantee quality can actually save time in the long run. Whether it’s a work project or a personal goal, steady, thoughtful effort often leads to faster success than trying to take shortcuts.
11. Never Miss a Good Chance to Shut Up
Cowboys were, and still are, known for their quiet, stoic nature. Sometimes the best course of action is to say nothing at all. This piece of wisdom is about knowing when to speak and when to listen.
Modern Application: In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, I think this wisdom is more relevant than ever. There’s power in silence and in listening before you act or speak. There’s another saying—not necessarily a cowboy saying—but a good one nonetheless: The Good Lord gave you two ears and only one mouth for a reason!
12. Take Care of Your Horse, and It’ll Take Care of You
Cowboys depended on their horses to survive, and a well-cared-for horse was a cowboy’s most important asset. In fact cowboys to this day, feed and tend to their horses before their own needs. It’s about the mutually beneficial, but also mutually vulnerable relationship between a cowboy and horse.
Modern Application: This wisdom can be applied to any relationship—whether with people, your career, or even your health. Put in the care and effort, and it will come back to you in kind.
Let’s Wrap It Up
While cowboy wisdom was born out of necessity on the rugged trails of the Old West, its value endures. From the lessons of Mexican vaqueros to the adaptability of Native American riders, the cowboy code of self-reliance, loyalty, and perseverance offers timeless insights that apply to modern life.
Whether you’re in your office, on a ranch, or simply navigating your personal journey, I believe these lessons can guide you through life’s ups and downs—just like they did for the cowboys of old.
Until next time, mi amigo, happy trails! —☆
1 comment
Simply put, thank you for your writings. They are great reminders to live meaningfully; with purpose.
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